As the gubernatorial elections in Edo State approach, we the people of Edo Central District face a crucial decision. The two leading candidates, Asue Ighodalo and Monday Okpebholo, both hail from our district. However, the political dynamics surrounding them differ significantly, which could impact the future of Edo Central.
Monday Okpebholo is a risky gamble for us in the district. Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate, is backed by politicians who have historically resisted the idea of an Edo Central governor:
Adams Oshiomhole previously opposed power shifts to Edo Central, raising questions about his current support for Okpebholo. As Governor, he refused to anoint anyone from Edo Central. As National Chairman of the Party, he refused to anoint anyone from Edo Central. And as sole administrator of Edo State APC, he not only refused to support any of the Edo Central candidates, but fought very dirty, embarrassing himself and dividing his party in vehement resistance to the Edo Central candidate whom he now carries about like a motor boy. Oshiomhole’s antecedents raises fundamental questions about the genuineness of his sudden support for someone from the district where he deposed a respected monarch and worked the least while he was governor.
Both Senator Matthew Urhoghide and Clem Agba: have shown reluctance to endorse Edo Central’s claim to the governorship. Neither of them supported any Edo Central aspirant, and until Oshiomhole punctured Clem Agba’s chances by the prunning down he did to disqualify Agba to tactically increase the chance of Dennis Idahosa to clinch the ticket, Clem Agba vemently resisted Edo Central aspiration during the primaries.
Philip Shaibu, Dennis Idahosa, Tony Kabaka, and Dan Orbih: all have their past actions suggestive of a preference for maintaining influence over genuine support for an Edo Central governor. Philip Shaibu broke ranks with Governor Godwin Obaseki over Obaseki’s decision to shift power to Edo Central. Dennis Idahosa fought bitterly with Monday Okpebholo, having Tony Kabaka to lead people to cause destruction to their own party secretariat over the possibility of APC ticket shift to Edo Central.
These associations pose a risk that Okpebholo, if elected, might be manipulated or outmaneuvered, undermining Edo Central’s development and ultimately risking the possible of a contrived premature removal to achieve their heart desire.
In contrast, Dr Asue Ighodalo is supported by Governor Obaseki, who has demonstrated a commitment to power rotation and development for Edo Central. Ighodalo’s candidacy is backed by leaders who genuinely advocate for Edo Central’s empowerment, offering a greater likelihood of progress and equitable resource distribution. Besides, he has the requisite education, pedigree and popularity to command respect of not only the Edo Central people but all Edo State people and beyond.
Edo Central must critically assess the candidates and the influences surrounding them. Supporting Asue Ighodalo means choosing a candidate with a genuine commitment to inclusive development and a fair representation of Edo Central’s aspirations.
The choice of governor will determine whether Edo Central progresses or remains marginalized. Dr Asue Ighodalo, supported by true advocates for Edo Central’s advancement, represents the most promising path forward. Choosing wisely ensures a bright and prosperous future for Edo Central.
Saintmoses Eromosele is Executive Director of ONEGHE SELE FOUNDATION, a pan-Esan Non-government organisation committed to supporting the education and health of less privileged persons and infrastructural developments of disadvantaged communities.
